Cnc Machinist

Job Title: CNC Lathe Set Up Operator

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity for an experienced CNC job shop machinist to grow into full ownership of the machining process, including operating, setting up, and eventually programming CNC lathes and mills. You will work in a short‑run, custom parts environment where you frequently switch between jobs, apply strong troubleshooting skills, and handle a wide variety of materials and setups.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC lathes to produce short‑run, custom parts according to blueprints and job travelers.

• Perform minor setups, including loading programs, changing tools, and setting offsets on CNC lathes and mills.

• Adjust tooling touch‑offs and tool wear to maintain part quality and dimensional accuracy.

• Apply tooling knowledge to select, inspect, and adjust tools appropriate for each job.

• Read and interpret blueprints and job travelers to plan machining operations and verify specifications.

• Inspect parts using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and other gauges.

• Switch between jobs frequently in a job shop environment, adapting to different parts, materials, and setups.

• Troubleshoot machining issues, including dimensional deviations, surface finish problems, and tooling wear.

• Perform changeovers and machine setups for different jobs on CNC lathes and mills.

• Edit or assist with editing CNC programs as needed to improve efficiency or correct issues.

• For programmer‑level work, take a print and program the job to completion, including tool selection and process planning.

• Work with alloy materials and adjust machining parameters to suit different material characteristics.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area in accordance with shop standards.

• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production schedules and quality requirements.

• Train on first shift and transition to second shift or split shift as you become able to work autonomously.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of CNC Lathe Operator experience in a hands‑on role beyond basic button‑pushing.

• Experience with CNC lathe setup, with at least 1 year of CNC Lathe Set Up experience preferred.

• Proficiency operating CNC lathes in a job shop environment producing short‑run, custom parts.

• Ability to perform minor setups, including loading programs, changing tools, and setting offsets.

• Hands‑on experience adjusting tooling touch‑offs and tool wear to maintain part quality.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and job travelers accurately.

• Experience using precision measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers for part inspection.

• Practical knowledge of machining processes, including turning and milling operations.

• Experience with CNC mills and lathes, including setup and operation.

• Troubleshooting skills for resolving machining, tooling, and dimensional issues.

• Experience working in a job shop environment rather than strictly high‑volume production.

• Ability to inspect parts and verify dimensions using precision instruments.

• Capability to switch between jobs frequently while maintaining quality and efficiency.

• Basic experience with CNC programming or program editing on machines such as Haas.

• Comfort working with tooling selection, inspection, and adjustment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with alloy materials and understanding how they affect machining parameters.

• Previous Experience in a machine shop environment with exposure to both lathes and mills.

• Experience with Haas CNC equipment and controls.

• Familiarity with multi‑axis machining and axis control concepts.

• Previous exposure to programming CNC machines from print to completion is a plus.

• Ability to work overtime consistently, including 10‑hour shifts on a regular basis.

• Strong organizational skills to maintain an orderly work area in a busy job shop.

• Comfort working in a laid‑back yet fast‑paced, custom machining environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Machesney Park, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

• Short and long-term disability

• Health Spending Account (HSA)

• Transportation benefits

• Employee Assistance Program

• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Machesney Park,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.